What do Qatar Airways pilots reportedly earn?

The Jerusalem Post reported on 14 September 2026 that a Qatar Airways captain can earn between $195,000 and $320,000 a year, while first officers can earn around $100,000 to $140,000 a year. The newspaper attributes these figures to compensation data published in 2026 across the aviation sector, without naming the source, so treat them as an indication.1

Does Qatar Airways publish a pay scale?

Not in the adverts we reviewed. Its call for a pilot roadshow in Amsterdam on 22 and 23 January 2026 mentions only competitive remuneration and unparalleled benefits, without figures. The type rated Airbus first officer vacancy, with a closing date of 30 June 2026, lists requirements but no salary. A type rated Boeing first officer vacancy that is open until 31 January 2027, based in Doha, likewise sets out requirements without any pay figures.2310

What does the package include?

According to The Jerusalem Post, pay includes flight-hour pay as well as base salary, and the package may include housing or a housing allowance, transportation, children's tuition coverage and flight perks. Qatar does not impose income tax on employed individuals' salaries, wages and allowances, according to PwC's tax summary last reviewed on 17 September 2026.19

What experience does Qatar Airways ask for?

For type rated Airbus first officers, the 2026 vacancy asked for at least 1000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine jets of at least 30,000 kg maximum take-off mass, of which 500 hours or more had to be on an A380, A350, A340, A330 or A320. A 2025 advert for non-type rated first officers on the A320, A330, A350, B777 and B787 fleets asked for at least 1000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine EFIS jets of 20,000 kg or more and English language proficiency of at least level 4. The Boeing vacancy open until 31 January 2027 asks for at least 1000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine jets with a maximum take-off mass of 30,000 kg or more, including at least 500 hours on one of these Boeing types: B737NG/MAX, B747-400, B757, B767, B777 or B787. For type rated Airbus captains, a vacancy closing on 16 June 2025 required at least 6000 hours on multi-crew commercial jets of 50,000 kg or more, including at least 500 hours as pilot in command on an Airbus FBW aircraft.34510

Is there a cadet programme?

In 2026 Qatar Airways advertised an MPL cadet pilot training programme for residents of Qatar and candidates born in Qatar, closing on 17 May 2026. The advert states that the cost of training is arranged by the candidates, and applicants had to be above 18 and below 27 years of age with an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0.6

What happened to pilot pay in 2020?

In June 2020 Bloomberg, as published by Gulf News, reported that Qatar Airways would cut the basic pay of two senior pilot grades by a quarter and that of junior pilots by 15 per cent, citing a letter dated 4 June, with Qatari nationals exempt. Reuters reported on 15 June 2020, citing two sources familiar with the matter, that some pilots would be laid off and others would see salaries reduced by 15 to 25 per cent.78